I’m sharing my favorite Bajan food finds and the cultural experiences that made my first trip to Barbados unforgettable.
Barbados has amazing beaches, incredible food, and a rich culture that welcomes you like the warmth of the sun. From beachside restaurants serving fresh grilled fish to fine dining and rum shops, Barbados was the perfect blend of flavor, fun and wellness.
Must‑Try Bajan Dishes
Flying Fish and Cou‑Cou is the national dish of Barbados. The flying fish is served fried over cou‑cou, a cornmeal and okra mash cooked into a thick porridge consistency. I recommend trying it at a local restaurant like Mustor’s in Bridgetown.
Macaroni pie: Baked macaroni with cheddar, onions, eggs and spices that locals simply call pie. It’s got a crunchy baked cheese top. I loved the macaroni pie at Pat’s Place.
Fish cutters: Fried flying fish sandwiches with tomato and lettuce inside a fluffy salt‑bread roll, finished with fiery Bajan pepper sauce. Grab one from Cuz’s fish stand at Carlisle Bay.
Fishcakes: These deep‑fried balls of salted cod mixed with flour, herbs and spices are a popular appetizer. The fishcakes in the picture above are from the Animal Flower Cave restaurant which I highly recommend. I enjoyed lunch there complete with a beautiful ocean view. They also have vegan options. I got the vegan pumpkin chickpea curry.
Pudding and Souse is a traditional Bajan dish made with pickled pork and steamed sweet‑potato pudding and herbs. This is a traditional dish that s usually prepared on a Saturday – the day we left so I didn’t get to try it.
Bajan pepper sauce is used in marinades and seasoning rubs and is also a condiment. Look for it on
Experience Bajan Food Culture
Fine Dining & Casual Eats Our first meal in Barbados was at Champers. The seaside restaurant is beautifully lit and breezy. I enjoyed the Sea Bass and vegetables (pictured above) with coconut cream pie for dessert. My friends liked the Coconut Curry Prawns but really everyone loved their food.
Other options include The Cliff and Tides on the west and south coasts for more seafood and stunning ocean views.
Oistin’s Fish Fry: On Friday nights, the fishing village of Oistin’s transforms into a lively party with music, vendors and plenty of food. Fresh fish is grilled right in front of you. We had a reservation at Pat’s Place and got the grilled snapper, flying fish and lobster plus the macaroni pie, rice and peas, plantains and coleslaw. All were delicious. But I’d go back for the snapper, rice and peas and macaroni pie!
Friday is a popular night. Expect long lines.
Street Food Street vendors sell fish cutters, doubles, pigtails, fried chicken, and macaroni pie at beach parks and markets. There are also baked goods including sweet puffs and pastries and typical meat or veggie patties across the island.
Anyone on the island will tell you that Bajans love fried chicken. I didn’t get to try it but if you want to, check out Chefette, a local fast‑food chain that serves rotis, fried chicken and more.
Try the Rum
Though I’m not much of an alcohol drinker, I enjoyed the tour and tasting at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery. Our guide Ria, explained the history of rum, proper pairings and the quality and tasting notes of a variety of rums.
Fun Fact: Barbados proudly claims to be the birthplace of rum. Mount Gay Rum Distillery is considered the oldest rum distillery in the world.
Other distilleries include Stade’s Rum Distillery, Foursquare Rum Distillery, and St. Nicholas Abbey. All provide different experiences from being on a beach to taking a historic train ride through the estate.
If you’re visiting in the fall, consider the Barbados Food & Rum Festival happening November 6-9, 2025. During this festival, local and international chefs, mixologists and food enthusiasts converge in Bridgetown for gourmet dinners, cooking demonstrations, rum tastings and mixology workshops.
Beyond Food
Barbados has 11 parishes and we visited each one during our trip! Take an island safari or go on your own. All of the parishes have a different vibe.
Go to beach. By far, my favorite beach was Carlisle Bay. The water was calm and clear – perfect for a sea bath!
We entered via Savvy on the Beach after swimming with the horses at Pebbles Beach. It was great because there are plenty of eateries and restrooms available at Savvy. After swimming at Carlisle Bay, treat yourself to a fish sandwich from Cuz’s fish stand.
For a more rugged experience and surfing, head to Bathsheba on the east coast but there are plenty of beaches to explore.
Take a Catamaran Cruise. My friends and I sailed with Cool Runnings. We got to swim and snorkel at three different stops where we could see sea turtles and shipwrecks. It was a fantastic time. Everything from the service, to the lunch and snacks was perfect.
Take a Bridgetown history tour. Bridgetown is the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. I loved learning about the history of the city and especially looking for my family name on the Builders of Barbados Wall. But being in the city really helped me to better understand the country.
Visit Harrison’s Cave. Harrison’s cave was the stop I didn’t know I needed. It was fascinating to see the stunning stalactites and stalagmites and natural wonder that makes Barbados’ water among one of the cleanest in the world. (Pictured above is Mirror Lake at Harrison’s Cave.)
Visit the Gap. The St. Lawrence Gap is on the south coast of Barbados. There you’ll find restaurants, karaoke and bars playing all kinds of music. You can stay in this area if it’s your vibe and have everything you need just outside your door.
Stroll down Rihanna Drive. Yes. This was one of the most touristy things I did. But if you’re a Ri-Ri fan, you will feel right at home taking a photo outside her childhood house (now a vacation rental per our driver).
So those are the things I enjoyed on my first trip. But I plan to return to some of the festivals I’ll list below.
Festivals & Cultural Events
Crop Over (July- August) Barbados’ largest and most colorful festival has roots in the sugar harvest celebrations of the 1780s. Crop Over combines calypso and soca music, art and street parties. It culminates on Grand Kadooment Day which is the first Monday in August.
TIP: Though you can go through July, the locals all said to come the Wednesday before to the Wednesday after Grand Kadooment Day.
More Festivals:
- Barbados Food and Rum Festival
- Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend
- Holetown Festival (February)
- Oistin’s Fish Festival (Easter weekend)
- Reggae Festival
- DiveFest
Check out Visit Barbados for a full list along with current dates.
Tips for First‑Time Visitors
As a first time visitor to Barbados, I felt very safe and welcomed. Here are some basic tips that will help you as you plan your trip.
When to visit: Barbados is warm year‑round. The drier high season (December-April) offers cooler temperatures and more festivals, while the hotter, wetter low season (June-November) has lower prices.
I was there in late September. Rain was not an issue. But some restaurants and hotels were closed for the low season.
Weather: It’s tropical. Pack light clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Currency: The Barbados dollar (BBD) is about US $1 ≈ BBD 2. US dollars are widely accepted, but be prepared to get change in BBD.
Transportation: Taxis, minibuses and rental cars make it easy to get around. They drive on the left though so do with that what you must. I might try the bus next time but I recommend a driver if you can swing it.
Tipping around 10-15% is customary. The legal drinking age is 18 (bring photo ID for tours).
What to wear: Camouflage is illegal for civilians to wear. Cover up when you’re not on the beach.
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